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How do I deal with a negative coworker?

7 Answers
Last Updated: 01/23/2018 at 8:39am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Brenda King, PsyD

Psychologist

I treat life changes, women’s issues, and issues of aging using evidence-based treatments with healthy doses of warmth, empathy and humor to enhance healing and growth.

Top Rated Answers
LCL
January 16th, 2015 11:41am
I limit my interaction with them, converse when only necessary professionally, and keep it polite and positive. When possible, I excuse myself when the topic starts to detract and descend into negativity, or if not, I try to redirect it to discussing solutions for the issue on hand. If the person persists with the negativity, I gently remind them that having a conversation that guides us towards solutions is better than simply focusing on the problems.
Anonymous
April 5th, 2015 7:34pm
If that negativeness effects me or my work, I talk talk them about it. I ask them if they relise their behaviour. If not, I point and ask if they need any help. If they already know what they're doing and don't care , then I want to stay away as possible while we're working.
arthritisfighter
April 16th, 2015 11:29am
Being around a negative coworker can have a real impact on your work ethic and how you feel at the work place. If you are noticing the negativity from this person then I am assuming others will be seeing this too and will talking about how the person is negatively impacting all of you. If this is the case then it is an issue which would have to be taken up with a manager. I had a similar issue in my work place and the person who was being negative was really impacting how I felt and i dreaded being around them. I addressed this issue by speaking to my manager and expressing my concerns. It turns out I wasn't the only person to bring this up and others brought it up after I did too. The issue was resolved because the coworker was made aware of their negative attitude and stopped being so negative.
Anonymous
May 1st, 2015 3:27pm
Respond in a polite and professional manner when interacting with him/her, and find away to ignore their negative attitude ... focus on the good (like you being an awesome person :) )
PoliteOcean
September 27th, 2015 7:25pm
This can be tough. You can start with trying to talk with your boss or supervisor to see if the problem can be fixed.
SpaceAngel
September 20th, 2016 6:35pm
talk to your boss and tell him/her how you feel about working with that negative co worker and see what you can do to make it better :)
Anonymous - Expert in Work Stress
January 23rd, 2018 8:39am
If this coworker is you team mate and is affecting the work you do, you will need to talk to a higher level manager whom leads you & your coworker about the situation. But if this coworker is not in your team or related to what you do then try to avoid or talk less to him/her and focus on what you do rather on him/her..